Visit with the Kerr Family!

We were excited to have Grammy and Gran Gran in town in August - again! - and this time with Cousin Tori, too!  She had a GREAT time, playing in the pool, exploring Savannah, spending time on the water, and eating lots of great seafood.

Unfortunately, both G and GG caught COVID on the way down (they suspect, who knows, it's everywhere), which meant some downtime for them both.  This is highly unusual for them, and they make terrible patients (because they do not rest!)  But it did NOT ruin their trip! After some convalescing they were ready to take care of the kiddos (while we went to Mayo) and finish out their trip with us. 

As the kids left for school and Grammy and Gran Gran the airport, all three of the kids had to get a picture with them and Tilly. Three pictures, because no one could agree on who held Tilly for the picture. :)

We always love our time with them! Come back again SOON! 

The newest furbaby - Tilly

We did not make it as long as we had planned, after Enda's passing. Our original intent was to wait until at least 2025 before starting the process to find a new dog for our family.  But....the house was just too quiet, too calm, and lacking an important type of love and affection (that only a dog can give).  James and I put our deposit with a group of breeders - JUST IN CASE - but then immediately fell in love with one from a litter that they sent us. She was very red, just like our Enda girl.  

Introducing... Mathilda, mostly known as Tilly.  :)

Getting her was not the easiest.  The week she came available was our annual trip to Jacksonville for our physicals with Mayo, and Grammy and Gran Gran were here to watch the kids. I didn't feel we could leave them alone with three kids AND a new puppy.  James and I spontaneously left Jacksonville after our appointment to drive 5 hours to Columbia, SC, spent the night, got up early and drove another 2 hours to Greenville, SC to pick her up, then drove another 5 hours back home to Richmond Hill - where we SURPRISED the kids.  So much fun.

The kids had no idea.  We had them convinced that it would be months, maybe even a year, before we brought a new furry member into the family.  It was love at first sight for all of them (and thankfully Tilly loved all the hugs and affection, too.)  

My camera roll is FULL of Tilly these days. She has settled in quite well, is showing herself to be a smart and chill puppy, and already bringing us a lot of joy! 

Welcome home, little one! We're a dog family again!! :)

Back to School...Already!

Everyone always acts like the kids go back to school so early, but honestly it's been like this since our kiddos started school. First of August is the new norm! And I'm okay with it!  They get so many breaks during the year, so number of school days is still the same.

We attended Open House at the tri-schools (the kids are in three separate buildings on one big campus) and met the teachers. I can already tell; it's going to be a great year!

First day of school: everyone up super early, very few nerves, a lot of excitement. I got the standard first day pictures (WITH OUR SIGNS, which were missing last Fall due to the pending move into the new house).

Though the kids had a fine experience last year as bus riders, they are car riders this year due to some afternoon scheduling issues.  First day of drop off about did me in (but they say it gets better) :)

I miss the kiddos!! I get used to having them as my sidekicks during the day. BUT, they came home smiling and excited about the year! 

(And after 2 days of school, they were out 3 days due to the Tropical Storm that hit us!  So the next week was like the first day of school, all over again.  Fortunately, we did not have water but so many in our town were affected by the post storm flooding!)